Barbara "Bootie" Bell Chewning

Judy Cunningham

How long have you been the mayor? I’ve been Mayor since 2004. In addition, I was elected to town council in 2000 and served one full year term there. Because I love doing this, I served on the Vinton Planning Commission for nine years; it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the town.

What has been the most rewarding part of being mayor? For me, it has been the opportunity to work with the people here in town. We have a lot of people who are trying to move the town forward, so I enjoy working with those citizens. I also like to help our citizens and organizations when I can. I enjoy partnering with civic organizations and churches to help maintain our quality of life.

What do you love most about Vinton? I hate to sound like a broken record, but it’s the people, without a doubt. Our citizens love this town. Most are ready to contribute to the community. We are blessed with great civic clubs, social and business organizations and great churches. They just make for wonderful partners; folks are always willing to step up.

Did you grow up in Vinton? I grew up in small town (Logan, W.Va.) very much like Vinton. People here are open and accepting and always made me feel like I’ve been here my whole life. I definitely consider it my hometown.

Barbara "Bootie" Bell Chewning

Proud to Call Vinton Home

How long have you lived in Vinton? I’ve lived here since I was three years old. After college, I came back and taught at several schools, opened a Hallmark gift shop, ran a furniture business with my husband Bob, and raised my kids here. I have two children and six grandchildren.

How did you get your nickname? Nobody knows me as Barbara, everyone knows me as Bootie Bell. My Daddy gave me that name. I had Daddy reading “Puss N’ Boots” to me over and over, so I think that’s where it came from. The name just stuck with me.

What is your favorite memory of growing up here? Vinton was a small town; everybody knew everybody. It’s always been a proud community. I enjoyed my years in high school because I played basketball, volleyball, was mascot for the cheerleaders, flag girl for band and drum major. My big moment was when I was chosen homecoming queen my senior year. My brother jokes that I was crowned Miss Vinton and never lost the title.

What would you recommend visitors do while in Vinton? They definitely should schedule time to come to the Dogwood Festival; it’s the pride and joy of Vinton. There are so many things Vinton has to offer, and plenty to do if people would look for them.

Jim Reynolds

Living in a Close-Knit Town

Jim Reynolds

Living in a Close-Knit Town

How long have you lived in Vinton? I was born and raised here in Vinton. Besides college and a short job after college, I have been here and worked here all my life. I came back to join the family business (Reynolds Grain) with my father in 1978.

What is the best part about being a Vinton resident and business owner? We get to know so many people so well, work with them on town events and know a lot of other business folks; we’ve been friends all these years. It’s unusual to have somewhere you live, work, go to church and shop with your neighbors; it makes it special to us.

What does the future hold for Vinton? There have not been a lot of changes in Vinton for a long time; development has been slow. But we’re starting to see some momentum with the proposal for the new Roanoke County library to be built in downtown. I see that as a significant development that could change Vinton’s downtown area. People who don’t live in Vinton come here and have a good time (at events, etc.) and we hope to have more of that.

Judy Cunningham

Community Involvement is Key

Judy Cunningham

Community Involvement is Key

How long have you lived in Vinton? I’ve lived here my whole life.

Your father started the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, what are your memories from back then? In 1950, my father, William Harris, organized the chamber and was the first president. My family was always involved in the community through civic organizations, church etc. I remember going to a lot of events with them. He instilled in me that this is what you do…be involved.

What has been your favorite part about living in Vinton? I was with the chamber as executive director for 37 years. At that time, I considered the chamber to be my family and friends. I helped start the Fall Festival and Christmas Parade. I now serve on the downtown revitalization committee; I try to stay involved in the town.